Tips to Tidy Up Your Property for Rent
Are you getting your rental property ready for brand new tenants? Maybe these will be the first tenants in a property that you bought as an investment. Maybe the new tenants will be replacing your previous tenants. Regardless, you need to be sure that the property is nice and tidy before renting it out. After all, potential renters will not want to move into a place that is dirty or cluttered. The following tips will help you ensure your property is ready for the new renters.
Require Previous Tenants to Leave a Clean Home
When someone moves into your home, you should have presented them with a list/pictures of the cleanliness at move-in. The lease should specify that it should be in that same condition when they leave. Their deposit can help to cover cleaning costs if it isn’t.
Consider Replacing Appliances or Carpet if Needed
Sometimes, if you have old appliances in the property that come with the rental, they can only be cleaned for so long. Eventually, they will start to break down or look shabby. It may be easier to replace the carpeting or the appliances, such as the washer and dryer, than trying to clean and repair them.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
Adding a coat of paint can be a great and relatively cheap way to help make a rental property look new. If the walls haven’t been painted in a few years, this could be the ideal time to do it. You can handle the painting on your own, or you could hire someone to do it for you.
Don’t Forget the Neglected Areas
In addition to the main areas that need to be cleaned, remember some of the often forgotten areas. This includes the blinds, the windows, ceiling fans, and beneath large appliances, for example. Cleaning these areas will give the new tenants a good impression of the property. If you have a garage on the property, you need to be sure that it is cleaned and organized, as well. Ideally, you won’t be storing anything of your own in the garage except for equipment that you use to maintain the property.
Remember the Outside of the Property
While you will most likely focus on the inside of the property, you can’t forget the exterior. Make sure that the landscaping is in good shape and the place looks hospitable. There shouldn’t be a lot of clutter outside or overgrown grass. Remember that the outside of the home is what creates the first impression.
Hire a Professional Cleaning Company
While you could take care of the cleaning if the previous tenants did not do a satisfactory job, there is always the option of hiring a professional cleaning company to handle it for you. This is an affordable way to ensure that you are getting a deep cleaning for the property. You can choose what the professionals clean. For example, if you only need the bathrooms and the kitchen cleaned, you can let them know and only pay for those services.
Resources: https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/tips-cleaning-rental-tenants
